Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Monday discussed with His Holiness Pope Francis  friendly relations between the UAE and the Vatican as well a number of topics of mutual interest.

The Emirates News Agency reported that the leaders examined ways to further extend cooperation so as to promote tolerance, dialogue and coexistence across the world.

During the meeting held at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, the two sides reviewed prospects for cooperation and joint efforts to consolidate fraternity and coexistence and promote dialogue so as to ensure security, stability and peace worldwide.

It was also an important opportunity, they said, to exchange views and strengthen dialogue and tolerance.

Pope Francis who is on a three day visit to UAE also took part in “The Global Conference for Human Fraternity”, an interfaith Conference , which was graced by many other religious leaders including His Eminence Ahmed At-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif and Swami Brahmvihariji of BAPS , who is spearheading the construction of the Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi.

On Tuesday , Papal Mass is scheduled to be held at the  Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, which is expected to attract an estimated 1.35 lakh people from the UAE and neighbouring countries – one of the largest single gatherings ever held in the UAE.

UAE is home to around one million Catholics. In addition to some Catholic churches, there are a number of other churches in the UAE of other Christian denominations, a Sikh temple, a Hindu temple and a space for Jewish worship.